Geopolitics in focus: key takeaways from LeadersConnect discussions

In a period of rapidly developing global geopolitical uncertainty, conversations with our members in the first quarter of the year indicated that now is a good time to cover the topic in the leader community. As a result, ORX brought together 25 risk leaders in small discussion groups held in April 2025 to share their views on how they are assessing and addressing geopolitical concerns. This blog shares key insights from those discussions.

Where we are now?

The meetings confirmed that regardless of jurisdiction and location, the topic of geopolitics is becoming a shared and growing consideration and concern. Having said this, geographic location does matter in terms of the specific risk exposures and challenges firms face. Leaders agreed that this area is receiving significant Board and Senior Management level attention, and there is an ongoing need to understand the potential impact across risk types, with the ONFR function being asked two key things: 

1. React fast to the changing external environment

2. Contribute to strategic business decisions

Rather than viewing geopolitical risk as a standalone risk, firms typically consider geopolitical factors as drivers of other risk types (e.g. third party risk). Managing and mitigating associated risks poses a unique challenge due to their unprecedented and rapidly changing nature, making it difficult to develop effective short and medium-term response strategies. As a result of these complexities, we expect a long-term change in the role of ONFR towards being embedded in strategic decision making and planning.